Discolouration, over-pigmented areas, and dark spots are common skin problems many people have but no one wants.
They can appear because of our activities, aging, or even our genetics. They have long been something we just had to live with — but not anymore.
Thanks to advances in skin treatment such as skin pigmentation treatment Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Joseph Rizk has the means to help you get the look you want. Whether you opt for light therapies or chemical procedures, Dr Rizk can do them all in his clinic in Sydney, and he can do them on a schedule that fits your life.
Protection of your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen and suitable attire is usually the most natural and easiest way to decrease the amount of skin pigmentation your body produces.
Your skin uses melanin (the natural compound in skin pigment) as a protective measure when it is exposed to solar radiation and other triggers in the environment. It makes sense then that keeping your skin from getting hit by solar radiation is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of melanin it produces.
When those protection measures aren’t enough, you may need to consider more advanced options. Dr Rizk can explore these possibilities with you to find the solution that meets your needs.
Skin pigmentation is when the colour of the skin is more intense and uneven. Sun damage and some medications can cause skin pigmentation changes. Also, inflammation can cause increased pigmentation when the inflammation has settled.
If you have any of the above-listed skin conditions and want to do something to address them, you may be a good candidate for skin pigmentation treatment.
In addition, you should be a non-smoker and in overall good health. People with significant medical concerns or active infections may not be right for a skin treatment procedure. Also, good candidates will always fully understand the procedure and have reasonable expectations.
As with all cosmetic procedures, Dr Rizk advocates the National Law and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
If you have any of the following issues anywhere on your body our Sydney skin pigmentation treatment may be right for you:
When uneven pigmentation or discoloured spots hurt your self-image or make you self-conscious, getting a skin pigmentation treatment can be a matter of your mental health. You may find yourself preoccupied with hiding or covering up those parts of your body in these cases, and a procedure to treat the over-pigmented areas can go a long way to relieving that stress. Dr Rizk customizes every procedure he does to meet the specific needs of each patient. During your consultation, he will discuss all of the options available to you.
There are several avenues available for those who want to treat areas of increased skin pigmentation. Each offers its own benefits and has its own limitations, so Dr Rizk will explore all of your options with you to find the treatment that is most right for you. The following is a brief description of each form of treatment and how it can work:
Superficial Chemical Peel
You may have heard of them but are now wondering, “What is a superficial chemical peel?” A superficial chemical peel removes the top layer of dead skin cells. It is performed to give the skin a smoother appearance that is more even in colour. These peels can be used to treat sun-damaged skin and fine wrinkles, increased pigmentation, and even acne.
If you’re wondering what agents are used in a superficial chemical peel, these superficial chemical peels can contain trichloroacetic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. Often a combination of chemicals is used depending on the extent of the treatment desired and the severity of the pigmentation difference.
Some medicines can be used at home and some require a doctor or trained person to apply them. Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent used for the treatment of pigmentation and is available over-the-counter in small strengths.
Some types of laser or light therapies can treat pigmentation. These procedures involve using a laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) to precisely target the pigmentation cells in your skin and destroy them. This kind of treatment can also promote collagen production, leaving your skin firmer and healthier looking. Regardless of the type of treatment you choose, all of them can be done in-house at Dr Rizk’s clinic in Sydney and have you back at home on the same day.
Your recovery from skin pigmentation treatment will vary according to the technique you and Dr Rizk choose.
In general, though, you can expect to experience some swelling and redness following your procedure. These effects will generally last a week or so but will subside as your body heals. Each particular treatment will have its own recovery process. Usually, it takes four weeks for topical medicines to take effect and should be used for at least three months. For superficial chemical peels, you often need four to six peels spaced four to six weeks apart.
The skin may be slightly red and tingle for up to a few days after treatment. Laser treatments may also need multiple applications, and skin irritation and redness are common effects. In all cases, Dr Rizk will outline the negative effects your specific treatment is likely to induce and he will give you the instructions and any medications needed to counter them during your recovery. Protecting your skin during this time will be key to achieving the most optimal results possible.
No matter the procedure you choose, Dr Rizk anticipates great results for you. After the recovery process is complete, you should see a more balanced skin tone in the treated area.
Your skin’s colour should be more even and uniform, with the treated skin more closely matching the skin in the surrounding area. We fully expect you to be completely satisfied with your results! Keep in mind that you will need to be diligent with your skincare routine to maintain your results. Following Dr Rizk’s instructions to protect your restored skin will be critical to keeping your skin looking its best for a lifetime.
Contact us today to find out if skin pigmentation treatment is the right option for you. Dr Rizk will walk you through all of your options and discuss the potential benefits you could experience. Simply fill out the consultation form on this page or call us on 1300 707 007 during normal business hours, Monday – Friday, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm to schedule your appointment now.
Dr Joseph Rizk became Australasia’s plastic surgeon of the year by making sure that each patient is heard, respected, and treated well. His patient-first approach provides you with the accurate medical information you need to make informed decisions about your course of treatment. At the same time, he offers his decades of knowledge and experience to help you along your path.
DOUBLE BAY, Suite 3.01, Level 3 451 New South Head Road, Double Bay NSW 2028
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
Dr Rizk recommends that you seek out a second opinion from another qualified healthcare provider before undertaking any cosmetic procedure. In accordance with the National Law and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines, any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks, so a second opinion is advised.